Good Morning, Sudbury! Here are seven stories to start your day

The city of Greater Sudbury provided an update on their response efforts to a severe storm that ripped through the city on July 9.

Good morning, Greater Sudbury.

Here are some stories to start your day.

City provides update on storm response:

The city of Greater Sudbury provided an update on their response efforts to a severe storm that ripped through the city on July 9. Chief Administrative Officer Ed Archer hosted a media conference on July 10 and was joined by representatives from Greater Sudbury Utilities, Public Health Sudbury & Districts, along with the city's general manager of growth and infrastructure Tony Cecuitti, and general manager of community safety, Joseph Nicholls. Speaking about the volume of calls for emergency response, Nicholls explained that the operational tempo that crews were working at was something that the city has not seen in some time. "Fire crews (in New Sudbury) were responding to calls for wires down, trees down, poles on fire and those type of calls," said Nicholls. "Between 4:30 p.m. and about 10 last night we responded to about 57 calls, that is certainly a high level of call volume for this service, we would typically see three to five calls in that time span." For the full story and video from the press conference click here.

As Sudbury cleans up after downburst, we look back at deadly 1970 tornado:

Monday's downburst that caused extensive property damage in New Sudbury has brought back memories of a much more destructive summer storm in the area — the Aug. 20, 1970 tornado. The tornado, which was classified as an F3 on the Fujita scale for tornado intensity (F5 is the most intense), is considered unusual because tornadoes of this strength rarely occur in Northern Ontario. Occurring at around 8:30 a.m., it touched down in Lively, and tracked quickly eastward into the city, hitting the neighbourhoods of Copper Cliff, Robinson and Lockerby over the next 10 minutes. Another tornado associated with the same storm also hit the community of Field, about 50 kilometres east of Sudbury, less than an hour later. Six people died and 200 were injured in the tornado, which caused an estimated $17 million ($108 million in 2016 dollars) in damage, including to Inco's copper smelter in Copper Cliff. Minor damage was also reported to the Big Nickel, with some pitting of the stainless steel panels as rocks and debris hit the monument, although that structure survived. Damage was also reported to Memorial Hospital, Glad Tidings Tabernacle, and more than 300 homes in Lively, Sudbury and Field.

Sudburians gather for first ever Pride Vigil:

Fierté Sudbury Pride held their first ever Pride Vigil in Memorial Park on July 10, as part of Sudbury Pride Week. Dozens showed up to the park to hear stories of struggles, success, and overcoming obstacles, while paying respect to those who lost their battle. "We're here to mourn the loss of our community members who died to violence, suicide, or HIV and AIDS," said Fierté Sudbury Pride communications coordinator Hez Bird. "We in the LGBTQ2S community have made huge strides in gaining more rights and acceptance but we still have a long way to go." In Ontario, 43 per cent of transgender people have attempted suicide, in many cases as a result of being exposed to violence, oppression and discrimination. "Despite the adversity, we keep fighting," said Bird. "We keep pushing against hate, advocating for rights, supporting each other, and above all else, hoping for change."

Mayor's race heats up as Bartolucci ponders running:

Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger might be going up against a high-profile name in October's municipal election. Former Ontario cabinet minister and Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci said Monday he's been approached to come out of retirement to run for mayor, and he's thinking about it. "I've been approached by several groups and lots of individuals, asking me if I would consider it," he said in a phone interview. "I told them I was honoured and would consider it. "I've reached out to different people, discussed it with my family. But to be quite honest, I haven't made a decision yet." Bartolucci, 74, retired from provincial politics before the 2014 provincial election. He was an alderman in the former Region of Sudbury and was elected Liberal MPP in 1995. He was minister of Northern Development and Mines in 2003 in the government of Premier Dalton McGuinty. He also served as minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Home course advantage carries Idylwylde to Sudbury Ryder Cup victory:

The parity within local golf circles was exemplified again this past weekend, as the 25th annual edition of the Sudbury Ryder Cup wrapped up Sunday afternoon at the Timberwolf Golf Club. For the sixth straight year, the defending champs were unable to hold on to their crown, quite a statement given that the field is limited to just three entries: Timberwolf, Lively and the Idylwylde. Spurred on by a strong home course showing on Saturday, the latter were able to establish a lead that they carried and retained on day three, capturing the trophy for the second time in three years, following a drought that dated back to 2010.

Community partners host charity BBQ for Sudbury Pride youth:

Community Partners are gathering at the Child and Family Centre’s mindSPACE site at 65 Evergreen Street (corner of Frood and Evergreen) from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to host the third Annual Fiérte Sudbury Pride Youth BBQ. This event seeks to demonstrate community commitment to building positive futures for all children, youth and families and to strive to ensure inclusivity, safety and wellness particularly for LGBTQ+ youth. Participants can enjoy the musical styling of Sudbury Youth Rocks, participate in an Open Mic session and/or an expressive art project that celebrates diversity and inclusion to create a safer environment. Check back with Sudbury.com later today for photos and more from this event.

There's 20,000 Sudburians of Italian origin, according to John Cimino, general manager of the Caruso Club. That large base of Italian-Canadians, along with those who just love Italian food and culture, ensure the popularity of the 46th annual Società Caruso Italian Festival, which starts at the Caruso Club Thursday and runs to Sunday. The festival's Regions of Italy Food Fair takes place starting at 4:30 p.m. Friday evening, and features the distinctive food from all over Italy. You can also enjoy porketta sandwiches and Italian sausages at a barbecue starting at noon both Saturday and Sunday, and a pasta and chicken dinner Sunday evening. Other highlights are the Vendetta IX Live Pro Wrestling show starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, a life-size human foosball tournament, a full slate of live entertainment and children's activities.

Wednesday Weather:

Mainly sunny to start the day, becoming a mix of sun and cloud in the afternoon. Wednesday's high will get up to 27, feeling like 30 with the humidity. Clear skies into the evening with an overnight low of 16. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.

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